Business

Brunswick County’s residential real estate market continues to show strength in early 2018, with the number of sales increasing more than 27 percent in February compared with 2017, according to the latest statistics released by the Brunswick County Association of Realtors.

Free for job seekers, the inaugural Brunswick Senior Resources Inc./Brunswick Workforce Center job fair for people 55 and older will take place Friday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Brunswick Center at Shallotte at 3620 Express Drive in Shallotte.

Brunswick Workforce Center Outreach

Call 754-6120.

Southport Library at 109 W. Moore St. in Southport, every Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Leland Library at 487 Village Rd NE in Leland, every other Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m.

The N.C. Education Lottery Commission on March 13 named M. Mark Michalko, a 30-year gaming industry veteran with both U.S. lottery and international gaming experience, as the new executive director of the N.C. Education Lottery.

The appointment of Michalko, vice president and managing director of International Game Technology’s operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, came as the commission concluded a search to replace Alice Garland, who is retiring at the end of March after more than seven years as executive director.

Jersey Mike’s Subs is set to open in Southport on Feb. 21. Franchise owner Jason Kesler will host a grand opening and free sub fundraiser through Sunday, Feb. 25, to support Matthew’s Ministry.

The new restaurant at 5130 Southport-Supply Road, is circulating 7,500 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $3 contribution to Matthew’s Ministry. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Brunswick County’s residential real estate market is continuing its consistent growth in the new year, with sales volume and average sale prices increasing and the number of new listings decreasing, according to the latest statistics released by the Brunswick County Association of Realtors (BCAR).

SUPPLY — The Brunswick County Association of Realtors hosted a legislative breakfast Feb. 9 without the legislators.

“You’re all about to see a tap dance because the elected officials we invited to be here this morning, all of them had conflicts,” said Tyler Newman, president and CEO of the Business Alliance for a Sound Economy and BCAR governmental affairs director.

“But all of them are doing what they are supposed to be doing.”

Newman said Congressman David Rouzer was on his way back from Washington, D.C.

Brunswick County’s residential real estate sales totaled $1.2 billion in 2017, crossing the billion-dollar threshold for the first time since 2005, and increased 32 percent over 2016, according to the most recent data from the Brunswick County Association of Realtors.

The number of units sold in 2017 jumped 23 percent over the previous year, increasing from 3,746 to 4,613. The average sales price increased 8.5 percent, from $243,610 to $261,925.

Brunswick County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.9 percent for September to 5.2 percent for October.

Unemployment in Brunswick County was at its lowest in June at 4.8 percent, then rose to 5 percent in July and 5.1 percent in August.

For 2017, Brunswick County unemployment started at 7.7 percent in January, fell to 6.7 percent in February and 5.8 percent in March, then dropped to 5 percent unemployment in April and stayed there through May.